Why Scotland Needs Decriminalisation
“I am very concerned about how bringing in the Nordic Model would drive the industry even further underground, making it harder for us to screen our clients, therefore making my job even more precarious than it already is. The stigma that this will create will also increase discrimination against workers that are already marginalised. Thereby compounding the problems that we face on a daily basis.”
Sex worker, NUM’s evidence submission to Prostitution Bill Consultation September 2024
“As someone who does sex work in Scotland, I find the Prostitution Bill deeply offensive. In 2024, it is standard procedure to give the people you are legislating (sex workers in Scotland) a voice. It is a patronising report. It is based on sensationalist stereotypes of sex work. Sex workers in Scotland have been organising for worker rights for years. We are well informed: The Nordic Model is harmful to workers. We have clear demands: full decriminalisation. We are resilient and organised people. Not powerless victims as we are portrayed in this proposal.”
Sex worker, NUM’s evidence submission to Prostitution Bill Consultation September 2024
The Current Legal Model In Scotland
In Scotland and the rest of the UK, partial criminalisation makes sex work dangerous. The act of selling sex itself is not illegal, however, “associated activities” such as soliciting and brothel keeping are criminalised. This means that workers cannot work in pairs or groups for safety, and that those who do work in managed brothels have no access to workers’ rights. For street-based and outdoor workers, soliciting in a public place and kerb-crawling (for clients) are both offences. This means there is less time for workers to engage in screening, negotiate terms and take safety measures such as informing others of their whereabouts.
What is the Nordic Model?
The Swedish Model, otherwise known as the Nordic Model, is a legal approach to sex work that criminalises the purchase of sexual services and the clients of sex workers. First introduced in Sweden in 1999, this policy is currently in effect in Sweden, Norway, Iceland, France, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada and Israel. Since its inception, the Nordic Model has been controversial among those working in the sex industry, and has been met with huge resistance and protest from sex workers who are impacted by these laws.
Scottish sex workers overwhelmingly oppose plans to introduce the Nordic Model.
Why Decriminalisation?
Every sex worker-led organisation in the UK is calling for the full decriminalisation of sex work: a legal model which decriminalises the sex worker, the client, and third parties such as managers, drivers, and landlords.
Decriminalisation means that sex workers can work where and with whom they choose, without interference from the police, unless workers choose to call them for help. Decriminalisation allows workers to access labour law to secure their rights, improve their working conditions, and tackle exploitation and harassment.